Marmota Monax Sciuridae Day

A newsletter published by the Meadowood Residents Association Meadowood Senior Living, Worcester, PA 19490 February 2020 Volume 32 No. 2

A long time ago, when nature worship was prevalent, Europeans believed badgers had the power to predict the coming of spring. The first German immigrants who settled in Pennsylva- nia continued the tradition using groundhogs, given the absence of badgers in the state. Punxsutawney celebrated its first Groundhog Day in 1887. Attendance that year is not record- ed; but in 2019, 25,000 people were at Gobbler’s Knob to watch Phil being snatched from his burrow by men in black topcoats and tall hats.]

It’s time once again to celebrate the rodent made famous via:

 stage—Groundhog Day, the Musical opened on Broadway in April 2017 but closed after only five months;  screen—Bill Murray’s classic 1993 movie put Punxsutawney on the map, as it were— even though it was filmed in a small town near Chicago;  television—thanks to ads for the Pennsylvania state-sponsored lottery, we frequently see the second-most famous groundhog—nattily-attired, computer-generated Gus;  cartoon (see Bill Bourne’s prediction on page 2);  and now by invitation.

Harleysville Hank and his handlers invite you to take part in some serious nonsense on Satur- day, February 1 (Hank doesn’t work on Sundays so he’ll be beating Phil to the punch prediction-wise) at the Mennonite Heritage Center on Yoder Road. The Center opens at 6:30 a.m. with the singing of groundhog carols and warming up with coffee and hot chocolate. Hank, aided by the customary men in black coats/hats, will appear at 7:00 a.m. at the barn window (look very closely at the photo on page 2)—no dirty burrow for Hank! A 20-minute celebra- tion in word, song and prognostication will ensue; fresh scrapple will be served out of the ket- tle. This is Hank’s fifth year as rodent-in-chief; approximately 150 people are expected to take part in the fun.

Groundhog Whisperer

If rodent recognition isn’t your thing, the Mennonite Heritage Center is a welcoming museum/ historical library/exhibit space just a 15-minute drive from Meadowood. One of their current exhibits, through mid-March, is “The Quilt as Art; Creating Movement and Depth” that show- cases the work of Rachel Derstine. Another is “Food Heritage of Eastern Pennsylvania,” which covers five centuries of food choices—from Lenape Indians to today. Check the Center’s web- site (https://mhep.org) for more information.

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Movies Groundhog Day (As seen by the cartoonist) Movies begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Running times are shown.

DOWNTON ABBEY, 2019**** Drama, UK, 20th Century Period Piece, starring Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Maggie Smith, 2 hrs 2 mins, (Fri., Feb. 7)

FINDING NEVERLAND, 2004**** Drama, Biography based on real life, UK, starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, 1 hr 41 mins, (Sat., Feb. 8)

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, 1957**** Romance Classic, Romantic Drama, starring Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Richard Denning, 1 hr 54 mins, (Fri., Feb. 14)

ME BEFORE YOU, 2016*** Romantic Drama, starring Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer, 1 hr 50 mins, (Sat., Feb. 15) Bill Bourne THE MONUMENTS MEN, 2014*** Military & War Drama, based on real life, starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, 1 hr 58 mins, (Fri., Feb. 21) Groundhog Day 2019 (As seen by the crowd gathered at the MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, Mennonite Heritage Center last year) 1939**** Classic Political Drama, starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, 2 hrs 9 mins, (Sat., Feb. 22)

DOUBLE INDEMNITY, 1944*** Classic Thriller, Drama, starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, 1 hr 48 mins, (Fri., Feb. 28)

STEEL MAGNOLIAS, 1989**** Drama, Tearjerker, starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, 1 hr 59 mins, (Sat., Feb. 29)

Please check Channel 1979 and the movie board for schedule updates and a brief narrative; see preview on the MRA Intranet. (Movies are subject to availability.) Movie Team

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Valentine’s Day Message from MRA President

This year Meadowood will celebrate a tradition- Dear Fellow Residents: al Valentine’s Day on the actual date for this special event! With festive decorations, a This month, my message focuses on safety and strolling violinist, and a delightful dinner in the concerns. dining areas, we can look forward to a wonder- ful evening. And there will be chocolate! First, a question for each one of you. Do you consistently wear your emergency pendant with Make your reservations and plan to have fun on its call button? If not, please start doing so right Friday, the 14th of February. now! In the past year, I have heard more than Social Committee one report about someone who fell, was not wearing the pendant, and lay on the floor for a long time. If you have the pendant on, it will be Trips & Travel so much easier to call for help. Make this part of your daily routine—checking to be sure you All current trips are advertised on Channel 1979, are wearing your pendant. [According to the the Meadowood Intranet, and on the Trips & Minutes of the December Town Meeting, the Travel board opposite the Bistro. The sign-up pendant system is in the process of being up- sheet for individual trips is posted about a graded to work anywhere on the campus, not month ahead of each trip. We are limited by just in your own home.] how much our small band of trip planners can handle, so it would certainly help to have more Second, how many of you know that we have volunteers to join us. Contact Dot McHale or an ombudsman on duty at Meadowood? I’ll bet Catherine Wildt if you would like to help. you just asked yourself, “A what?” An ombudsman is a person whose official duty is to handle This is our current lineup: concerns and complaints from residents. That person has, as a central part of their responsibil- Friday, February 7 – We’ll be heading to ity, representing the interests of the residents. Doylestown and the Michener Museum for the Our ombudsman is Sheri Ackerman, one of our exhibit: Impressionism to Modernism: The social workers. She has over 25 years of experi- Lenfest Collection of American Art. The cost ence working in health care for seniors and is is $55, which includes a docent-led tour of the eager to help our residents with their concerns. show and a catered lunch. The bus leaves at 9:00 Anyone, from those living in the health services a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m. area or those who are in independent living, may report an area of concern to Sheri. She, in Thursday, February 27 – Methacton School turn, will forward the concern to those who can District’s Senior Citizens’ Dinner and Show this remedy the situation. If you have a concern, re- year features Brigadoon. See the Trips & Travel port it directly to Sheri (3658) or you can fill board for details. out a grievance/concern form (available at the Trips & Travel Team front desk or in the Health Services Depart- ment). It is important to report concerns so that management can address them; there will be no retaliation toward those who report!

Lorraine Lee

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Getting Acquainted

We offer a warm welcome to: Angie and Bob are now settling into their new home and enjoy visits from their son, daughter, Angie and Bob Wagner three grandchildren and three “greats.” Despite 405 Founders Village Phone: 3974 some health setbacks, they are both upbeat and enthusiastic about their new environment and The Wagners lived in looking forward to making friends and partici- nearby Plymouth pating in many activities and events here at Meeting for over 50 Meadowood. years, so their move to Meadowood was a Janice Myers; photo by Mary Miller comfortable transition when they were se- lecting a retirement Jim Coleman community. Angie was 102 Cedar Crossing Phone 3854 born and raised in Conshohocken; after high school, she attended Jim and Sheamus, his business school and community college. She Bernese Mountain Dog, started her career as a private secretary at sever- moved here in November al large businesses, including Container Corpo- from New Milford, Con- ration. After marriage and relocation to the Al- necticut, where Jim had bany area, Angie became a full-time mom and lived for 21 years. Born managed the many subsequent moves to various and raised in Manhattan, locations required by Bob’s career. She has Jim graduated from Xavi- been a private financial investor for several er High School and went years and enjoys watching the stock market and on to St. Peter’s University, earning a bache- has pursued hobbies such as dancing, cooking, lor’s degree in biology. A week after gradua- interior design and traveling. tion, he married Dot, whom he’d known for eight years, beginning in grammar school. Sad- Bob was born in Roxboro, North Carolina, ly, Dot is no longer with us. moved to the Conshohocken area when he was six, attended St. Matthew’s High School and, Jim received a master’s in biology from NYU after graduation, signed up in the Navy. He and subsequently enrolled at Duke University, spent two years on active duty as an air crew- attracted by a program in electron optics, and man on carriers in Korea and Okinawa, Japan, received a PhD in his area of interest. A posi- plus nine years in the reserves. After his mili- tion teaching biophysics at the University of tary service, Bob attended Philadelphia Textile Rochester followed. Still in Rochester, Jim went Institute, receiving a bachelor’s in textile engi- on to become head of the analytical activity neering; he earned a master’s in textile science group for materials research at Kodak. “In those and technology at North Carolina University. days,” he says, “everyone at Kodak did materi- Bob spent two years in England at the Universi- als research.” When he left there, he moved to ty of Leeds as a Fulbright Scholar. One of his Connecticut and became Director of Analytical many accomplishments was, working with his Chemistry for Boehringer Ingelheim, the largest children, designing insulation fabric that was private pharmaceutical company in the world. used in spacesuits for a shuttle. He spent 35 years as a teacher at Philadelphia College of That work involved travel to Europe, especially Textiles and Science and was a visiting profes- Germany, the firm’s headquarters. He and Dot sor at many universities. Bob’s many interests also went to Ireland annually to visit her rela- include reading, veterans’ organizations and oil tives. They toured in England, Mexico and Can- painting. ada as well.

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During retirement, Jim has focused on his long- on many gardening projects, including the kitch- time hobby of woodworking. He’s built tables en garden at Peter Wentz Farmstead. and bookcases, for instance, and is most pleased to have made a cradle for his granddaughter. His John was born in the delightfully-named bor- other hobbies include photography and reading. ough of Catasauqua, a suburb of Allentown. He graduated from Lehigh University with bache- Meadowood is far from New Milford, but Jim lor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineer- already had ties to Pennsylvania. His parents ing. Ford Motor Company was his employer in were New Yorkers by choice but had come from Lansdale, Blue Bell and Willow Grove; but Carbondale. Much of Jim’s childhood and youth when the company moved to Detroit, he joined were spent in Lackawanna County, vacationing AMETEK U.S. Gauge in Sellersville, part of the with relatives “out in the country.” In addition, aerospace industry, and worked on cockpit in- his son’s family lives in Lansdale; and both struments and fluid sensors for 35 years. Even grandchildren are at college in this region. Jim’s though he retired seven years ago, he still helps daughter lives in Massachusetts but often visits. the person who replaced him. John, in addition to his interest in painting, has become acquaint- Jim is friendly and looks forward to meeting ed with our Woodshop guys and their work. more of you. Seek him out and introduce your- Hopefully it won’t be too long before John is self. persuaded to write a story for Meadowtalk about “Lilliput,” the 20-note mechanical organ he has Toni Black; photo by Mary Miller built and the wheeled cart on which it resides.

The Wolbachs moved here from Towamencin, where they had lived for 37 years. Pat and John Wolbach 704 Radcliff Court Phone: 1153 Joyce Hutton; photo by Mary Miller

Pat was born, grew up and educated in the Philadelphia area. Her Bill Donohue college studies focused 210 Meadowlark Point Phone: 3753 on elementary and sec- ondary education. Her Prior to moving here in professional career late November, Bill had started out at the ele- lived in North Wales for mentary school level; 18 years. When asked post-graduate work extended into the arts—and how he happened to horticulture—as therapy. Two daughters—both choose Meadowood for of whom now live in Lansdale—enabled Pat to his retirement home, he be a mostly stay-at-home mom. When the girls said it was on the recom- were older, she returned to the classroom, teach- mendation of our own ing art in different K-12 classrooms. Retirement Father Genuardi, with whom he had become has provided the opportunity for Pat to pursue acquainted as a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima her interests in oil painting and ceramics. Her Church. fondness for growing things has allowed her to spend many hours in her home gardens and now Bill was born and raised in Jersey City and a plot for perennials in Victory Garden III. Penn graduated from Ferris High School and St. Pe- State’s Master Gardener Project provided train- ter’s University with a bachelor’s degree in mar- ing and a commitment to volunteer in sponsored keting management. His career was spent in the activities. During the growing season, Pat works area of financial services where he was

MEADOWTALK FEBRUARY 2020 PAGE 6 employed by several companies in the New Camera Club Photo Boards York area and New England. James McCrudden’s board “Scenes around He met his late wife, Mary-Ann, on The Love Oxford, England,” is on display in the corridor Boat! After marriage, the couple welcomed across from the Bistro. four sons, one daughter and five grandchildren to their family. They also bred, raised and Dieter Gohl’s board, “Landscapes,” may now showed soft-coated Wheaten Terriers. Their be seen in the corridor leading to the Health children loved helping with the puppies and Center, near the entrance to Resident Care made sure they were well-socialized before being placed in their adoptive homes. Four of their dogs became champions; and Gwynnie, Bill’s present dog, is the last of the champions. Art Show Update

The Boy Scouts of America has been a lifetime Phone calls are being made; sign-up sheets are being prepared. Volunteers are being enlisted involvement for Bill, as he was a Scout in his th youth and served as a leader when his boys for this show—our 10 . were young. He enjoys swimming and looks forward to using our pool once he is finished Some history: our first show was held in No- unpacking! He also is interested in woodwork- vember 2009* and the work of Edward Willis ing, so he may soon find his way to our Wood- Redfield (1869-1965), a founder of the Pennsyl- shop. vania School of Impressionism, was featured. Bill Bourne was a juror. There were 189 pieces When we met for this interview, Bill empha- entered (compared to 362 last year). sized how happy he was to be at Meadowood *For those doing the math and thinking this and how friendly the residents had been. Make th sure you introduce yourself when you see him should be our 11 show, renovations to the and Gwynnie out on one of their walks. Schultz Community Center in 2013 caused the show not to be held that year. Gretchen Murray; photo by Mary Miller Volunteers for this year’s show will be needed starting with registration on Tuesday, March 31, and continuing through that week until the final Fitness Corner awards ceremony on Sunday, April 5.

Starting this month, two new fitness opportuni- Please note that there will be only one meeting ties will be available: for volunteers this year: Wednesday, March 4, 2:00 p.m., in the Strasburg Auditorium.  Small groups, including spin classes,  Wellness coaching—with or without For additional information—or to add your personal training. name to the volunteer list before you’re called— contact Judy Barnes (1107) or Jody LaVerdure Plan to attend the Women and Wellness event (1025). Friday, February 21, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Club Room. Hors d’oeuvres and wine will be available plus a speaker whose topic will be about practices that promote well-being and health in women. Join us.

Wellness Committee

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CREAM Events

Programs are held in the Auditorium unless whether earnest but dim-witted Nemorino will otherwise indicated. Note that times vary. snag Adina, the flirtatious heroine. She's a tease who takes up with Belcore, an army sergeant, to Jule Ann Lieberman is back to talk about As- make Nemorino jealous. After numerous (and sistive Technology for Low Vision. She was humorous) plot twists that include a phony love hired by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple potion, it all ends happily. Adina and Nemorino University after finishing her master’s degree in declare their love for each other; Belcore is low vision therapy. Her primary role at Temple dumped; and the fraudulent Dulcamara does a is to provide information, assistance, and public landslide business in love potions. It's all a fast- awareness activities and to demonstrate assistive moving bundle of fun, especially with the star- technology devices for people who are blind or filled cast of this 2005 Vienna State Opera per- have limited vision. Jule presented a well- formance. (Sun., Feb. 16, 2:00 p.m.) received CREAM program 5½ years ago. (Thurs., Feb. 6, 7:00 p.m.) Dr. Christopher Borick is Professor of Politi- cal Science and Director of the Muhlenberg Col- Come to Strasburg Concert Hall (aka Strasburg lege Institute of Public Opinion. He is a nation- Auditorium) and enjoy Christian Thielemann ally recognized public opinion researcher and conducting the Berlin Philharmonic in Franz will be educating us on Polling. (Tues., Feb. 18, Liszt’s Orpheus, Symphonic Poem No. 4; Hans 7:00 p.m.) Werner Henze’s Sebastian im Traum; and Lud- wig van Beethoven’s Symphony No .3 in E flat Contuing our Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra major (Eroica). Mon., Feb. 10, 3:00 p.m.) concert series: Krzysztof Urbanski conducts Bedřinch Smetna’s Má Vlast (My Country) No. Join us for a presentation on the care and feeding 2 Vltava (River Moldau), No. 3 Šárka; Bohuslav of the emotional dimension of wellness at the Martinů’s Concerto for cello and orchestra No. next CREAM Wellness event. The food demon- 1, Sol Gabetta, soloist; and Antonin Dvořák’s stration will feature everyone’s favorite super- Symphony No.7 in D minor. (Mon., Feb. 24, food (yes, superfood!) chocolate. Perfect for the 3:00 p.m.) month that gives us snowstorms and Valentine’s Day! (Thurs., Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m. in the pop- Linda Kenyon is returning to Meadowood with up dining room) her one-woman show “Julia.” Julia Child was an American cook, author and television person- Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Board of ality who introduced French cuisine and cooking Commissioners’ Chairperson, will educate us techniques to America. She was in the vanguard about the 2020 Census and some of the changes of "foodies" who, by changing America's taste, to the voting law that will apply for the 2020 helped create modern American culture. While elections. She will also give us a general over- her public face and voice became familiar to all view of the work done by our County govern- of us, this play focuses on her private side— ment and take questions. (Thurs., Feb. 13, 7:00 especially the relationship with her husband, p.m.) Paul. Our play is a love story! (Tues., Feb. 25, 7:00 p.m.) Our opera this month is Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore which stars Anna Netrebko as Adina, CREAM Team Rolando Villazon as Nemorino, and Leo Nucci as Belcore. This opera is one of the staples of the comic opera repertory. The plot hinges on

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Entertainment Got the Winter Blues?

Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium We have a solution for you!

Gerry Timlin, an Irish troubadour, was born in We are now forming new Wii bowling teams. County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, where he de- Come join the fun. If you‘ve never done Wii veloped an early interest in traditional Irish mu- bowling before, not a problem! You will be an sic. He moved to the United States in the early expert in no time. ‘70s and has been delighting audiences with his smooth baritone voice and his irreverent humor A team consists of four players that bowl week- ever since. Based in Pennsylvania, he has per- ly in the Activities Room. Each team selects a formed widely throughout the US and Canada. time to bowl that is most convenient for them. (Wed., Feb. 5) We now have 32 people participating in Wii Lon Gibson, a vocalist, pianist and cellist, per- bowling and would like to expand. Our goal is forms both classical and popular repertoire at to have fun and challenge teams at other Senior retirement communities in the tri-state area. Ac- Living facilities. cording to the Director of Activity at Senior Care Chestnut Hill, “Lon is a fabulous entertain- There is a sign-up sheet on the main bulletin er! Every time he visits our center, our members board. Leave your name and phone number and always have a great time and enjoy all the differ- you will be contacted. Wii bowling is a great ent music he has to offer.” Lon is also the author way to meet new friends and have fun. of The Divine Nature of Music. (Wed., Feb. 12) Lois Howland (1116) Aligo Rozsnyai and Thomas Satzler, soprano and baritone, respectively, will be accompanied by Dan Espie in a program of operatic arias and Bocce duets. The concert is a unique opportunity for both novice listeners and opera aficionados to The subtitle for this sport should be “Relaxation experience the passion and energy of young per- for everyone—young, older, well and handi- formers. (Wed., Feb. 19) capped.”

Wendi Bourne and her ensemble will perform During last summer’s program, we had over 70 songs from The Great American Songbook. She participants playing on one court. The court was previously collaborated with Ed Neiderhiser; fitted and used by Joan Krantz with her wheel- following Ed’s death, Wendi has reorganized the chair—easily and successfully. This year we group. Wendi (daughter-in-law of Bill and Gin- have two courts; both will be in use, and both ny Bourne) and her ensemble have delighted are fitted for handicap access. Meadowood audiences for many years. (Wed., Feb. 26) We welcome any and all to join us. A sign-up sheet has been posted on the bulletin board. Se- riously, there are no restrictions; handicaps are not a problem.

John Krantz and Dave Andrews

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Bible Study

Meetings are held Monday evenings in the Fit- In Memoriam ness & Wellness Studio (opposite the first floor library) from 7:00 (7:15 on Birthday Night) to 8:00 p.m. Lew McLean Dec. 16 Dick Ott Jan. 6 Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Pastor of Central Schwenkfelder Church, will have as his topic “Genesis Narratives: Abraham, Isaac, Ja- “I waited patiently for the Lord; cob and Joseph.” he inclined to me and heard my cry.” David is an excellent leader of Bible studies. He Psalm 40:1 is known for his ability to set the stage, explain the passages, listen to the comments of participants, and answer questions.

We invite everyone to attend.

Bible Study Committee Artists of the Month

Cathy Grygiel is a signature member of both the Pastel Society of American Art and the Wa- tercolor Society of Philadelphia. She had paint- Moving the Lower Level Library ed in watercolor for 25 years but now specializ- es in pastel. She paints landscapes and nature Plans are being developed for the relocation of and loves the fluidity and vibrant color of the the lower level library. Its new location will be medium. Cathy has won many awards for her in the combined former offices of the Mead- work, including awards here at our art show. owood Residents Association and Marlon Back. This change of location has been neces- Deb Nyman graduated with a degree in art edu- sitated by the need for a new and larger confer- cation but spent most of her career in corporate ence room to accommodate the large number advertising. She returned to her interest in pho- of meetings per week by staff and resident tography, which she combines with a passion groups. for gardens and florals. Deb enjoys modifying her photographic images to create digital art- Please look around your home for books you work. may have borrowed from the lower level library and return them as soon as possible. We You can see the work of both artists at the lower must gather accurate data on the amount of level gallery in the Shultz Community Center— shelf space needed in our new quarters. and enjoy a taste of spring! Ann Trumbull Yours Librarians, Barb Gabriele, Judy McGovern, Jane Souther

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Friendship Games Trials

Remember the article in the December issue of ⧫⬧⧫Birthdays⧫⬧⧫ Meadowtalk about the Friendship Games being held here at Meadowood on May 15, 2020? You were encouraged to give some thought to being a Date Apt. # participant. 2 Lucia Borzillo 504 If you have decided to join in the fun, here is the schedule for the trials: 3 Paul Anderson 710 3 Adele King 27 Week of 2/24 Billiards Week of 3/2 Ping Pong 3 Jim Parker 61 Week of 3/9 Brain Games Week of 3/16 Swimming 3 Paul Hellberg 249 Week of 3/23 Wii Bowling 4 Annette Biché 144 Week of 3/30 Team Trek Week of 4/6 Quadrathon 6 Dana Sheldon 170 (hot-shot basketball, 8 Frank Poehlmann 182 egg-on-spoon 8 Phil Smith 506 race, soccer kick) Week of 4/13 Horseshoes 11 Lore Slough 67 Week of 4/20 Shuffleboard Week of 4/27 Bocce 15 Joyce Given 306 15 Jean Hardwick 224 Mike Wagner will be posting sign-up sheets in the weight room. A general memo mentioning the 15 Robert Hewitt LH sign-ups will be posted on the main bulletin board in advance of the trials. 16 Doris Plager 212

18 Jim Devine HHS If you have questions about any of the events—or your skill level—or what qualifications you think 19 Russ Buxton 63 you need, call Mike Wagner (5340). Let’s all try out for something! 19 Marie Cianciulli 351

An informational meeting for residents who are 20 Mary Speidel LH interested in competing in the events and are 23 Frank Kulp 736 planning to participate in the trials for the Games will be held on Tuesday, February 11, at 2:00 24 Jim Deever 737 p.m. in the Fitness Studio. 24 Joan Stiles LH Helene Boclair 25 Clark Miller 407 27 Marion Sachuk 75 28 Barbara Seeger 44 28 Josephine McCabe 824 29 Elsie Heller LH